I'm almost 41 weeks pregnant and wondering...?

Question

When you are past your due date and no "natural" ways of induction seem to work (like sex and exercise, for example), what are some good ways to just get your mind off of it and pass the time? I'm super uncomfortable with cramping and soreness so I really don't feel like going anywhere with my hubby and during the week I am home (I'm on maternity leave). Every last thing is organized and I'm running out of ways to stay sane right now. My induction isn't scheduled until Jan. 17th and I'm praying to go before then. Any ideas or thoughts?

Ummmm...slimb2041??? Did you ever look at a calendar? LOL! Pregnancy is full term at 40 weeks, not 36, because months aren't equally divided into 4 weeks stretches. I asked them to move the induction and they are planning to take it week by week...the dr said with first time mothers who are barely dilated (I'm only about a cm) they don't like to induce before 42 weeks because there is a greater chance of a c-section...I am pushing to go earlier at my next appt though.

Answer 1

I went to 41 weeks and a day before spontaneous labor...and I was freakin four cm dilated a week before that...talk about not being able to go far from home! (OK, I didn't exactly follow that rule)

I basically tried to walk a lot...I know that you might not want to, but it will help with cramps and soreness, as well as (according to some people) help induce labor. Even if it's just around your neighborhood, it really will make you feel better and help you sleep better.

If you're adament about staying at home, I suggest watching videos, cooking some freezer meals (you might not have a lot of time after baby comes), going to the library and finding a book or two to read, taking a dog for a walk (seriously, borrow one if you need to), etc. Start a project you absolutely HAVE to get done before the baby...like a quilt, or a 5,000 piece puzzle, or something of that sort...time flies with those sort of things...(I'm a nerd; I had a CSI forensic artist reconstruction project...)...you might think a lot while you do it, but, time will go by very quickly. PS...you won't get it done in time. LOL

At that point, to be honest, I was doing EVERYTHING to keep my mind off of stuff...I was moving 80 pound bookcases and whatnot just because I was so bored, and, at that point, I figured, "What's the worst that can happen? I'll go into labor?" But, seriously, at this point, short of skydiving, do what you want. I was on bedrest (they thought I'd go early, since I started dilating at 32 weeks...HA!), and when I was "released" from that, I did everything and anything. Try something new, pick up something old...I found going out places passed the time more than staying at home, but, if not, do what you want.

If all else fails, have a hormone-driven, drop-down argument with your husband at midnight, tell him to sleep at his friend's, and wait....I went into labor 2 hours after doing that. :-)

Not to induce, but to strengthen your uterus, I recommend raspberry leaf tea (not raspberry tea, raspberry LEAF tea). Some people say it will start labor, but I drank it for the "during" labor aspect...I only had an eight hour. 9 minute labor start to finish, and 18 minutes of actual pushing. I don't know if that had anything to do with it, but, it was nice. Worth a shot.

Good luck, honey. Enjoy the next few days, and especially enjoy your new baby.

Answer 2

Do you know how to sew , knit or crochet? If so set your mind on trying to finish a blanket or something for the baby before it is due and watch if the baby doesnt come before you finish . or
All you can do is walk and I would massage your belly in downwards movements and your lower back. I also heard that yoga is really good for helping. You clear your mind and then concentrate hard on imgining the baby moving into position and working its way throught the cervix. I guess you kind of like mentally give the baby a notice to vacant . Ca nt hurt to try.
To help dilate faster and easier have your hubby take two clean fingers and grease them alittle and gently massage down there and help to get the cervix to open.

Answer 3

Bless your heart! I know you have to be super uncomfortable...I'm surprised your doc isn't inducing you before the 17th.

I don't have any wonderful words of wisdom but I can tell you that my sister-in-law started having mild contractions early in the day and walked for nearly three hours straight(who really feels like doing this when they're 41 weeks pregnant???). Her contractions started coming a little harder and she drank castor oil(NASTY!!) and about two hours later, her water broke.

I know they say it's best to wait until baby is ready to come out, but there are dangers of letting him go too terribly long past his due date. Perhaps you can call your doc and explain how uncomfortable you are etc...and get him to move up your induction?

Good luck and congratulations!

Answer 4

I went to 42 weeks and had to be induced a day later... I understand where you're coming from. And since getting in a car and going somewhere really isn't comfortable for you I'm sure, there are a few personalized things you can do.
Take pictures and write your feelings & stories down for your child to read about in years to come.
See if a local pottery/ceramic studio has a "take home" rate where you can buy a greenware piece and paint it at home using their materials, and then have someone return it for you (make a nice personalized bank, plate, or unique special item for baby!)
Host a small informal luncheon at your house and invite friends & coworkers over - just as a "hi, how are you?" kinda thing.

Answer 5

I agree the last week or so is awful. I would be going for short walks. Get everything organised for the baby so that nothing is left hanging around undone. Make meals and freeze them. You will have little time once the baby arrives.. Make long calls to family and friends. Get a pedicure (have you got someone who can visit?). Have you tried Clary Sage in a massage? I swear it helped bring on my labour. Keep in mind this waiting will end and keep your eyes on the prize.
Good luck. I hope all goes well for you.

Answer 6

Just try to relax and enjoy these last few days of baby freedom. Once the baby is born you will rarely sleep, the house will be a mess, and you will wonder what you did all day because you got nothing done! You will have no liesure time for awhile! Don't wish for things to soon!

Answer 7

some suggestions that i have come across are cod liver oil, castor oil...not really good suggestions lol

find a hobby or continue a project that you have put aside

i think the first thing you should do is double check with your doctor to make sure you have not dialated yet...that could be part of you being uncomfortable like that. other than that...why in the world are they waiting so long to induce you? i have never heard of anything like that.

Answer 8

ok this may sound weird i just read an article about it. sex isn't what causes labor it is the semen. It does something to the cervix and thins it when i had pre term labor problems with son my dr. told me this as well he said sex is fine but use a condom so sperm doesn't reach cervix. so give it a shot and hang in there. The little one will come when ready and congrats and good luck.

Answer 9

Oh you poor baby! I am so sorry!

I was on modified bedrest with my son....I wished that whole last month away when I could sit on the couch and watch stupid TV and try and sleep and do whatever. As I'm waiting for my daughter I remember that!

There really are no ways that will help. Read a book.....movies.....not much else!

Good Luck!

Answer 10

ENJOY THE TIME BEFORE THE BABY....READ A GOOD BOOK, RENT SOME DVDS, GET YOUR NAILS DONE, GO GET A MASSAGE & GET EXTRA SLEEP!! RELAX..WHEN IT'S TIME THE BABY WILL COME. DON'T PUSH FOR THAT INDUCTION (I DID BECAUSE I FELT JUST LIKE YOU DID) AND IT WAS THE LONGEST, HARDEST LABOR I HAD (I HAVE 4 KIDS) PLUS THEY SAY THAT IT'S BETTER FOR THE BABY IF YOU'RE NOT INDUCED.
HANG IN THERE, IT'S ONLY 11 DAYS AWAY!
I HAVE MY FINGERS CROSSED FOR TOMMORROW! GOOD LUCK!